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In the past, the standard advice about quitting a job was that it was fine – as long as you had another job lined up. But times have changed. The gig economy is in full swing and set to rise. It’s now less about having a seamless CV, and more about finding the sweet spot where you excel in both work and life.

In fact, according to a PWC global survey, 60% of us don’t believe we’ll have stable, long-term employment in the future. High performers will retain their roles, and other talent will be brought in when needed.

This makes things tricky. If the job market is so insecure, it’s tempting to make the leap into self-employment. But that means acquiring new skills in order to thrive. And if you do make the leap when the going gets tough, it can be tempting to want to head back to the perceived "safety and security" of a nine-to-five.

There are still, of course, long-term, stable jobs looking for the right people to fill them. So why waste time sitting in an ill-fitting cubicle, when another more suitable job has your name on it?

A major setback, a series of minor ones, or a particularly heavy workload can make you want to throw in the towel. More insidious is that they can make you mentally check out. So, you may not physically quit what you’re doing, but you continue without putting your heart into things – while feeling weary and deflated. Losses, whether big or small, need to be grieved, including the loss of a long-sought goal. If not, their weight can build up until you can see no other option but quitting. Instantly getting over failures and moving on isn’t always the smart thing to do. Consider whether you need some time out to recalibrate.

What do you really want to quit?

When you work in the same place day-in, day-out, it’s easy to lump everything together under the banner of “work stress.” So, grab a notebook and separate your work into discrete components. Jot down your projects, responsibilities and tasks. Make notes about your schedule, workload, and the people you interact with at each stage of your day. Is it actually a person, a place, or a thing you want to quit – and not the job itself? If so, how could you negotiate some changes that will make the job work for both you and your company?

What will you lose if you quit?

It’s easy to underestimate just how tightly the fabric of your daily life is knitted around your job. So, think about what you will lose and how it is likely to affect you. Don’t underestimate the value of supportive colleagues and a great company culture. Take into account ALL the costs and benefits of leaving one role for another.

What relationships can you take with you?

Relationships are a powerful form of career capital. And the good news is that they can go wherever you go. So, consider that if you do quit, will your colleagues and clients remain on friendly terms? Will they be a source of new leads, or opportunities, or advice, that you can take with you in your next role? Nurture the relationships you know you want to last, before you leave.

Can you quit slowly?

Instead of ripping off the Band-Aid, can you quit in stages? For instance, when I left a full-time PR gig to return to my writing, coaching and training business, I went part-time initially. Another colleague left to go overseas but pitched a solution where she could freelance for the company’s clients in Asia. This was ideal, as she was in the right time zone to ensure she could be on hand during office hours. Is there a slower solution for you too, that’s a win-win for everyone?

Finally, know that clarity follows chaos. Carve out pockets of alone time, so that you can listen to your intuition and get clear on your best next move. Remember, that this is not always the logical or expected next move. Often, it’s the left-field decisions that really move the needle and propel you forward. Do you need a side hustle? Do you need to call an old friend from college for advice? Do you need to hire a coach? Do you need a sabbatical, or just a heady influx of career inspiration? It’s hard to figure out what you need and want if your time and space is constantly cluttered with people and activities. Give yourself the gift of a little peace and quiet to process things.

Whether you stay or go, expect roadblocks and detours. As the old adage says, “There is more than one road to Rome”. There’s also more than one way to a fulfilling career.

I am on a mission to help people to better express themselves in writing. Through my online writing challenge, books and workshops, I teach people to write freely and easily.

I am a British journalist turned writing coach and the author of two books, including Heart, Sass & Soul: Journal Your Way to Inspiration and Happiness (Mango, 2019). In 2006, I discovered a talent for helping people overcome the blocks, fears and shame that stops them ...